National group weighs in on NM’s bar exams for out-of-state lawyers

An organization that represents 30,000 in-house lawyers from more than 75 countries is urging the New Mexico Supreme Court to junk a requirement that lawyers from other states who want to practice in New Mexico take the state’s bar exam.

The Washington, D.C.-based Association of Corporate Counsel recently filed a letter with the Supreme Court urging a relaxation of rules for out-of-state attorneys.

“Requiring experienced lawyers from other states to take the bar exam in order to practice in New Mexico privileges the parochial interests of local lawyers, rather than those of the clients they ostensibly serve,” ACC vice president and chief legal strategist Amar D. Sarwal said in a news release about the filing.

“New Mexico should allow all experienced lawyers without disciplinary problems to practice in the state,” the ACC’s letter said.

The New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners has asked the Supreme Court to change the requirements for out-of-state lawyers to practice in New Mexico.

With some exceptions, lawyers wishing to join the New Mexico bar have to take the bar exam and successfully complete a character and fitness review, the New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners’ petition to the Supreme Court said.

“Even lawyers from other jurisdictions who have successfully practiced law for many years are required to take and pass the New Mexico bar examination,” the NMBE’s petition said.